I believe I read somewhere that there were about five (English) translations of Musashi's 'Book of Five Rings'. I have read the Kaufman ( ) and V. Harris versions. Would appreciate recommendations on other versions, or best to read.

I've recently read Miyamoto Musashi: His Life and Writings, by Kenji Tokitsu, Shambhala Press 2004. It contains a complete translation of the Gorin no sho, along with complete or partial translations of Musashi's other extant writings. It also reproduces many of Musashi's known paintings, and includes a history of Musashi that attempts to be definitive. It also has essays on Budo, weapons and ethics in swordsmanship training, extensive notes by the author on his translations, etc. The author, Kenji Tokitsu, is a Japanese born karate instructor who lives in Paris. He also holds doctoral degrees in sociology and Japanese language and civilization.I enjoyed this book, and the amount of practical experience that the author brought to bear on this historical subject. I recommend it.

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If they get up eight times, knock them down nine times.

Shambhala dragon edition, translated by Thomas Cleary, is a good version. That edition also has Yagyu Family Traditions on the Art of War, by Yagyu Munenori. That is a great exposition on zen and martial arts.

I bought Kaufman's version, and was happy at the time. But while I was reading, I found the way he used modern examples 'jarring'...out of context. I then read another version (I think V. Smith? V. French? not sure)...and it was less wordy...different. By comparing, I realized that translation/interpretation makes a BIG difference.

I've only ever read Kaufman's version of the 5 Rings, but I have read some other books translated by Wilson - Hagakure, for one. His work seems very directly translated, while Kaufman's translating seems to use more modern language. This makes it easier for *most* people to read, but as you say, can make a big difference when it comes to interpretation.

I guess it all comes down to whether you like your Anime dubbed or subtitled

Musashi deliberately wrote the original in an ambiguous manner. Translate this into English and it becomes even more so. Unless one actually does HNIR the full meaning will never come across. Even then it needs to be read many many times. Musashi had asked for it to be destroyed but his students copied it feeling it to be valuable a there was little written at that period in history. But it was not handed down to promulgate the Ryu.

I would recommend reading the Thomas Cleary edition which also has Yagyu translations. In edition one can read the original and first translation by Victor Harris and the latest by Kenji Tokitsu which is also of historical reference about Musashi's life.